Kailash Manasarovar Yatra begins June 1
External Affairs Minister SM Krishna on Wednesday selected pilgrims for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.
?I am happy to be present here for the computerized draw for selection of Yatris for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2011, which begins this year on June 1,? said Krishna.
?We in Ministry of External Affairs attach great importance to the Yatra keeping in view the deep spiritual and religious sentiments of the people of India associated with Kailash and Manasarovar.
?As you are aware, the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra along the traditional route through Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand State is conducted from June to September every year under a bilateral arrangement between India and China,? he said.
The Minister said: ?As in previous years, this year also we will have up to a maximum of 960 Yatris undertaking the Yatra in 16 batches. We are happy that the participation in the Yatra is increasing every year.
?Today we are selecting 960 Yatris on the basis of draw of lots through a computer-generated, gender balanced random selection process. The remaining applicants will be put in a reserve list. As you can see, this exercise is being carried out in a completely transparent manner.?
Krishna said it is Government’s endeavour to improve and upgrade facilities for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra on a continuing basis.
This year, Ministry of External Affairs has extended a grant of Rs. 25 lakhs to Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam for improvement of facilities for Yatris.
?On the Chinese side, arrangements for the Yatris are made by the authorities of Tibet Autonomous Region of China. In a recent meeting, the Chinese authorities have assured us that the facilities for the Yatra will be improved substantively during current plan period,? Krishna said.
?I am confident that the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra this year, as in the past, will be conducted smoothly. I wish to thank all those agencies involved in the Yatra for extending cooperation to the Ministry of External Affairs in making the Yatra successful every year.
?I wish all the pilgrims a safe and satisfying Yatra,? he said.
